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A Ghostly Mortality By Tonya Kappes: Review/Giveaway

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of A Ghostly Mortality, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

After being hit on the head by a falling Santa decoration, “Emma Lee Raines sees dead people,” not the most acceptable of talents, but she finds herself being hounded by recent murder victims desperate for answers that will allow them to cross over. She has had to keep quiet about this “Funeral Trauma,” as it is referred to by her doctor and others, since no one seems to be sympathetic. But that’s very hard when you have a very distraught ghost vying, often annoyingly, for your attention. She has shared her ability with her hunky boyfriend and county sheriff and a psychic who says she has the gift of a “Betweener.” And with every new betweener client, Emma Lee is off on a new murder investigation.

Emma Lee was able to help Jade Lee Peel cross over, so now all that remains is sending her off in style dressed in her pageant gown and tiara in a Cinderella carriage. Extremely busy finalizing details, Emma Lee is also on edge as she continues to try to get her sister, Charlotte, to sign the agreement selling her stake in the business they ran together, Eternal Slumber Funeral Home. Charlotte Rae has always been a ‘thorn’ in Emma Lee’s side, opposites as sisters, teasing her about the “Funeral Trauma” and predicaments she has often found herself, but when she went off to work in Lexington at Hardgrove Legacy Center, Emma knew it was time to part ways and run the business on her own. But, Charlotte has been less than cooperative, so, when she popped in at the funeral home, Emma is not happy…until she discovers no one else can see her there. Charlotte has been murdered, and has come to Emma Lee for help. “So you really can see dead people?”

Distraught, but determined, Emma Lee begins her investigation against the wishes of Jack Henry, her boyfriend sheriff, to leave it to the police, but “she is my sister!” So, Emma, often with Charlotte and a ghost cat in tow, heads off to follow up on every possibility from Lexington to Sleepy Hollow. Charlotte doesn’t remember much, most of the Betweener ‘clients’ don’t, but the flashes of memory, business files, questionable behaviors, and arguments all need to be pursued. Even Granny, herself torn up over losing her granddaughter, needs Emma Lee to help her through this. But Emma Lee does uncover several suspects including the Hardgrove siblings, a Bridezilla’s mom, competitive businesses, and did someone say a wife with a prenup?

Once again, I was totally entertained by Emma Lee and her “Betweener” gift in the sixth book of the Ghostly Southern Mystery series. Emma is clever, strong-willed, yet still working on her confidence. She loves her family and wants to help people during their most difficult time, even though now it’s her and Granny. The bit of romance is a nice respite from the investigation, and we continue to be delightfully engaged in all the small town squabbles and gossip. We were treated to engrossing suspense and an “Oh, my!” conclusion. The conflict between the sisters is one with which many of us can identify, and her unique opportunity to set things right and to share moments of real understanding between siblings is endearing and satisfying…I literally cried.

To enter to win A Ghostly Mortality, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “mortality,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 11, 2017. U.S. residents only for the print copy. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Love Tonya’s books and so surprised that the giveaway is for a print copy and that rarely happens I know as I can only read print due to severely disabled and always have to pass up her contests as it is always an ebook. So would love the chance to read a print copy and post a few reviews. ptclayton2@aol.com

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KRL Adoptable Cat Coco is a 7 year old female Snowshoe cat. She loves to window gaze, but is no stranger to human affection. If you are looking for a very chill personality, look for Coco in our Sanctuary adoption center. If you are interested, apply today! Coco is available through the Cat House On The Kings.